Asian Tour Yearbook - 2022

The International Series: A real game changer A n exciting, new layer of events positioned at an elevated level, called the International Series, were launched on the Asian Tour in 2022, playing a vital role in the Tour’s successful return to action. Set up by LIV Golf, the series enabled the Asian Tour to provide more playing opportunities for its members, at tournaments with significantly better prize money, played at pre-eminent golfing destinations, with considerable focus placed on the player experience. Seven International Series events were incorporated into the 20-event schedule in 2022 – in Thailand, England, Singapore, Korea, Morocco, Egypt and Indonesia – with 10 planned for each season moving forward, as part of a 10-year commitment by LIV Golf. Each boasted prizemoney of between US$1.5 million to US$2 million, with an International Series Order of Merit put into place allowing the winner to earn a ‘golden ticket’ onto the ensuing season’s LIV Golf League. “We are setting the Asian Tour up as a powerful new force on the world golf stage,” said Greg Norman, Commissioner and CEO of LIV Golf. “In my 40 years as a professional golfer, I’ve seen many parts of the world that have benefitted tremendously from golf and its growth and development. We now have the opportunity to do that in the Asia Pacific region and the Middle East with this incredible investment platform. Everyone benefits – professional players, amateurs, grassroots golf, fans, economies, communities, stakeholders. I’ve never been so optimistic about the future of the sport.” The International Series Thailand, played at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin in March and won by American Sihwan Kim, was the first event in the eagerly awaited new initiative and proved to be a resounding success on numerous fronts. Said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, 17 that week: “I feel like the International Series is where the Asian Tour belongs. For decades, it’s what we’ve been waiting for … and it’s the new standard for the Asian Tour. “In the past, the Asian Tour was a collection of small prize money events with the odd US$1 million or US$2 million events scattered in there. But now the standard for the Asian Tour is going to be US$1 million-plus, high-level events, great destinations and locations, and it’s going to be a lot more competitive.” “Coming out of COVID, we definitely did not expect to be in this position. It’s very fortunate for us to come out of the pandemic in such a strong position. It was a time for us to go back to the drawing board, explore options, talk to different sponsors, and look at ways to come back bigger and stronger. So, we’re happy that we’re able to do that.” Scott Vincent had the honour and distinction of winning the International Scott Vincent (LEFT) claimed the inaugural International Series Order of Merit. Cho Minn Thant, Greg Norman and Joohyung Kim (RIGHT) at the press conference to launch the International Series, held at the season- opening Saudi International.